Name: Lemon Coconut Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 100 g rolled oats (1 cup); 125 g all-purpose flour (¾ cup); 25 g desiccated coconut (¼ cup); 110 g sugar (½ cup); ½ teaspoon baking powder; 75 g melted butter; 1 large egg; 15 ml honey (1 tablespoon); 120 ml lemon juice (juice of 2 lemons, ½ cup); 1 tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 54 reviews

If you are looking for a delightful treat that brings together bright citrusy zing and tropical warmth, the Lemon Coconut Oatmeal Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These soft, chewy cookies combine the wholesome goodness of rolled oats and the fragrant sweetness of coconut with the refreshing burst of fresh lemon juice and zest. Each bite is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, making this cookie utterly irresistible for snack time or sharing with friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying something simple and satisfying, this recipe brings joy to your kitchen with every batch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, lumpy mixture of light yellow oats and batter. Inside the bowl, a wooden spoon with a smooth handle and a flat, rounded stirring end rests, partly covered in the mixture. The texture looks soft and sticky, with visible oatmeal pieces mixed evenly throughout. The scene is bright and simple with no other items around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in shaping the cookies’ texture, flavor, and aroma. From the hearty rolled oats that add chewiness to the vibrant lemon zest that brightens every bite, these essentials come together in perfect harmony.

Rolled oats (100 g / 1 cup): Provide a hearty, chewy texture that makes these cookies substantial and wholesome.
Flour (125 g / ¾ cup): Forms the base that holds everything together and gives the cookie structure.
Desiccated coconut (25 g / ¼ cup): Adds a lovely tropical note and subtle texture contrast.
Sugar (110 g / ½ cup): Sweetens the cookies while helping to achieve a soft, tender crumb.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Gives a gentle rise for lightness without making the cookies cakey.
Melted butter (75 g): Brings richness and moisture, ensuring soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Egg (1): Binds the ingredients and helps the cookies hold their shape.
Honey (15 ml / 1 tablespoon): Adds natural sweetness and a hint of floral depth.
Lemon juice (120 ml / ½ cup): Freshly squeezed for bright, tangy zest that truly wakes up your taste buds.
Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Packed with aromatic oils, this little ingredient amplifies the lemon flavor beautifully.

How to Make Lemon Coconut Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (360 degrees Fahrenheit). Have two bowls ready because we’ll be mixing dry ingredients separately from the wet ones. This sets you up for a smooth baking experience and avoids overmixing the batter.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In the first bowl, toss together the rolled oats, flour, desiccated coconut, sugar, and baking powder. Whisking these well not only blends the flavors but also breaks up any lumps, making your cookie dough uniform and easier to combine later.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In the second bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest until they’re fully incorporated. This fragrant mix is where the cookies get their signature tang and moist texture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly to combine. The batter will be quite wet and sticky, but that’s exactly what you want – it ensures the cookies stay soft and chewy after baking.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using a large spoon, scoop generous spoonfuls onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. You can easily make around 16 cookies this way. Shape each dollop gently with the back of your spoon to form somewhat round, flat-ish cookies. Don’t worry about perfect shapes; they will spread slightly in the oven, creating rustic, homemade charm.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges turn a delicate golden brown. Then, remove and allow them to cool — this resting time lets them set beautifully without drying out.

Step 6: Optional White Chocolate Drizzle

If you want to take your Lemon Coconut Oatmeal Cookies Recipe to the next level, melt some white chocolate drops and stir in a little coconut oil to loosen the mixture. Drizzle this over cooled cookies for a luscious finishing touch that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

How to Serve Lemon Coconut Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

A group of round cookies with a light golden-brown color is placed on a cooling rack. Some cookies are plain, showing a rough, crumbly texture with small uneven edges, while others have a thin drizzle of white icing spread in thin, wavy lines across their tops. The cookies are spaced evenly on the black wire grid of the cooling rack, which sits on a white marbled surface. The scene is bright and clear, showing the contrast between the cookies, icing, and rack clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra desiccated coconut or a small twist of fresh lemon zest on top adds a lovely visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor. If you’re going the white chocolate drizzle route, a few toasted coconut flakes scattered over the top create a delightful texture contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a good cup of hot tea, such as Earl Grey or chamomile, whose floral notes complement the lemon and coconut. For a richer treat, enjoy them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt sweetened with honey.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve these cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper. Alternatively, place them in a decorative tin or gift box tied with a cheerful ribbon for sharing with loved ones. Adding edible flowers or lemon slices on the side makes them perfect for casual brunches or afternoon tea parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lemon Coconut Oatmeal Cookies Recipe cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This lets you enjoy their fresh flavors and soft texture just like the day they were baked.

Freezing

If you want to make a large batch, these cookies freeze well. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When wrapped properly, they last up to 2 months, making for a handy sweet snack anytime.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 160 degrees Celsius for about 5 minutes. This revives their softness and enhances that fresh-baked lemon aroma, making each bite feel just like straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes! Quick oats can be used if needed, but they’ll give a slightly softer texture and less chew compared to rolled oats. For the classic chewy feel in the Lemon Coconut Oatmeal Cookies Recipe, rolled oats are preferred.

What if I don’t have desiccated coconut?

If you don’t have desiccated coconut, shredded coconut works just as well. The main difference is texture—shredded coconut is larger and can add more chew. Avoid coconut flakes as they are too large and may overwhelm the dough.

Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives that keep the natural sweetness and moisture in the cookies. Just keep the quantities the same to maintain balance in texture and flavor.

How do I make these cookies vegan?

To make a vegan version of this Lemon Coconut Oatmeal Cookies Recipe, use a flax or chia egg replacement and swap the butter for a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or vegan margarine. The cookies may be slightly different in texture but still delicious!

Will these cookies keep their softness over time?

These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days to fully experience their soft texture. Stored properly in an airtight container, they will stay tender, but over time they may become slightly firmer. Quick reheating fixes this easily.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the sunny blend of lemon and coconut combined with hearty oats in cookies that feel homemade and warm. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Lemon Coconut Oatmeal Cookies Recipe as much as I do—it’s a simple way to brighten any day with fresh, comforting flavors. Happy baking and happy snacking with these little bursts of sunshine!